2 Chronicles 18 23

2 Chronicles 18:23 kjv

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

2 Chronicles 18:23 nkjv

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, "Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you?"

2 Chronicles 18:23 niv

Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah went up and slapped Micaiah in the face. "Which way did the spirit from the LORD go when he went from me to speak to you?" he asked.

2 Chronicles 18:23 esv

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, "Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?"

2 Chronicles 18:23 nlt

Then Zedekiah son of Kenaanah walked up to Micaiah and slapped him across the face. "Since when did the Spirit of the LORD leave me to speak to you?" he demanded.

2 Chronicles 18 verses

2 Chronicles 18 23 Meaning

2 Chronicles 18:23 depicts a confrontational moment where Zedekiah, a false prophet, physically strikes Micaiah, a true prophet, on the cheek. This aggressive act is accompanied by Zedekiah's sneering question, challenging Micaiah's claim of divine inspiration: "How did the Spirit of the LORD depart from me to speak to you?" The verse encapsulates the bitter conflict between truth and falsehood, highlighting the persecution faced by God's genuine messengers when they speak an unpopular truth to powerful leaders.

2 Chronicles 18 23 Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative in 2 Chronicles 18, which parallels 1 Kings 22. It describes the ill-fated alliance between King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who consult prophets before going to battle against Ramoth-Gilead. While Ahab's 400 court prophets unanimously promise victory, Jehoshaphat insists on consulting a true prophet of the LORD. Micaiah, despite warnings and threats, delivers a prophecy of defeat and Ahab's death. This true but unpopular prophecy directly contradicts the assurances given by Zedekiah and his cohorts. The historical context reflects a period of tension and moral decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where cultic practices often mingled with political interests, leading to a proliferation of false prophets who served the king's desires rather than God's truth. The actions of Zedekiah illustrate the pride and malice of those who suppress divine truth.

2 Chronicles 18 23 Word analysis

• Then Zedekiah (וַיִּגַּשׁ צִדְקִיָּהוּ - vayigash Tzidkiyahu):

  • וַיִּגַּשׁ (vayigash): "And he drew near" or "approached." Implies a deliberate, confrontational movement. It highlights his readiness for physical and verbal assault, initiating the escalation.
  • צִדְקִיָּהוּ (Tzidkiyahu): The name means "My Righteousness is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is Righteousness." This is deeply ironic, as Zedekiah's actions—deceiving the king and assaulting a true prophet—demonstrate the antithesis of righteousness. He is presented as the primary spokesperson for the false prophets.

• the son of Chenaanah (בֶּן־כְּנַעֲנָה - ben-Kna'anah): This identifies his lineage, lending specificity to his character and perhaps linking him culturally or professionally. It signifies his full identity as this specific individual taking this brazen action.

• came near and struck (וַיַּכֵּהוּ - vayyakehu): "And he struck him." A violent act. In ancient Near Eastern culture, striking someone on the cheek was a grave insult, intended to humiliate and discredit, signifying profound contempt and a challenge to the person's honor and authority. It was an act of personal vengeance for the perceived slight of Micaiah's opposing prophecy.

• Micaiah on the cheek (עַל־הַלֶּחִי אֶת־מִיכָיְהוּ - al ha-lekhi et-Mikhayhu):

  • עַל־הַלֶּחִי (al ha-lekhi): "Upon the cheek." This specific location for the strike intensifies the act of dishonor and public shaming, an attempt to metaphorically silence Micaiah and assert physical dominance.
  • אֶת־מִיכָיְהוּ (et-Mikhayhu): Micaiah, whose name means "Who is like Yahweh?". His name profoundly contrasts with Zedekiah's actions; it asserts God's unique authority and ultimate judgment over human deception and violence. He embodies the true prophet.

• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): Introduces Zedekiah's audacious challenge.

• 'How did the Spirit of the LORD (אֵי־זֶה הָלַךְ רוּחַ יְהוָה - ei-zeh halakh Ruach YHWH):

  • אֵי־זֶה (ei-zeh): "How?" or "Which way?" It expresses mock incredulity and scorn. Zedekiah speaks with rhetorical flourish, ridiculing Micaiah.
  • הָלַךְ (halakh): "Has gone/departed." Suggests a transfer of power or favor.
  • רוּחַ יְהוָה (Ruach YHWH): "Spirit of the LORD." This phrase refers to divine inspiration, the very essence of true prophecy. Zedekiah claims sole possession of this Spirit for himself and the other false prophets, implying that Micaiah's prophecy must be demonic or merely human. He essentially accuses Micaiah of fraud and sacrilege.

• depart from me to speak to you?' (מֵאִתִּי לְדַבֵּר אוֹתָךְ׃ - me'itti l'dabber otach):

  • מֵאִתִּי (me'itti): "From me." Zedekiah boldly asserts that the Spirit of the LORD exclusively resides with him and the 400 false prophets. This claim establishes his position as the supposed authoritative voice.
  • לְדַבֵּר אוֹתָךְ׃ (l'dabber otach): "To speak to you." This implies Zedekiah cannot fathom the Spirit leaving him to speak through someone else, especially someone bringing a contrary and unfavorable message. The grammatical form 'otach' (feminine singular pronoun, often used generally or sometimes as an intensifier of address) points directly to Micaiah, intensifying the personal affront.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then Zedekiah... struck Micaiah on the cheek": This action immediately sets a physical and moral confrontation. It is an act of aggression, born out of frustrated pride and a lack of true divine authority, substituting force for divine truth. It foreshadows the fate of prophets who speak truth to power.
  • "How did the Spirit of the LORD depart from me to speak to you?": This loaded question reveals Zedekiah's utter delusion, hubris, and profound spiritual ignorance. He implicitly claims an exclusive, unchallenged right to divine inspiration, mocking the idea that God could speak through anyone who contradicts his own desired narrative. It reflects a false prophet's inability to comprehend true divine leading, attributing true prophecy to usurpation. This rhetorical question is the climax of the confrontation, questioning not just Micaiah's words, but the source of his prophetic gift.

2 Chronicles 18 23 Bonus section

The account of Zedekiah and Micaiah serves as a potent archetype for discerning true versus false prophecy. Zedekiah represents the popular, politically aligned, self-serving "prophet" who tells leaders what they want to hear. His theatrical "horns of iron" (verse 10) illustrate how false prophets often rely on performative actions and symbolic gestures rather than true divine utterance to impress and mislead. The ultimate test of Zedekiah's prophecy versus Micaiah's was their fulfillment, or lack thereof. This narrative strongly reinforces the principle that God often permits evil, even a "lying spirit," to harden the hearts of those who reject Him, thereby setting them up for their chosen path of destruction. This divine sovereignty over evil intentions emphasizes that even false acts are ultimately within God's comprehensive plan.

2 Chronicles 18 23 Commentary

Verse 23 marks a dramatic escalation in the prophetic conflict. Zedekiah's physical assault on Micaiah symbolizes the violent rejection of God's truth by those committed to falsehood and self-interest. The strike on the cheek was a profound public humiliation, aiming to invalidate Micaiah's authority and integrity before the king and the assembled court. Zedekiah's accompanying rhetorical question, "How did the Spirit of the LORD depart from me to speak to you?", reveals his staggering spiritual blindness and hubris. He asserts exclusive possession of divine inspiration, demonstrating the false prophet's inherent need to claim divine sanction while serving human agendas.

This moment highlights several critical aspects of biblical prophecy: the consistent persecution faced by God's true messengers (compare Jeremiah's experiences), the deceitful nature of false prophecy (driven by human will and demonic influence as suggested earlier in the chapter), and the audacity of those who misuse divine names for their own gain. Zedekiah's question underscores the core theological issue: who truly speaks for God? His aggressive challenge ironically serves to contrast his own deceptive, self-serving spirit with the steadfast, truth-speaking Spirit dwelling in Micaiah. The outcome of the battle, predicted by Micaiah, would serve as God's ultimate vindication of His true prophet.

• Example for practical usage: When encountering ideas that promise comfort and easy solutions, but discourage accountability or unpleasant truths, it's wise to consider if they echo the "smooth words" of false prophets, versus the challenging, potentially uncomfortable truth of God's Word.
• Example for practical usage: In disagreements, a genuine search for truth prioritizes open dialogue, whereas physical intimidation or dismissive scorn, like Zedekiah's act, betray an agenda not rooted in truth.